Mount Carmel Library branching out with two 24/7 book stations

MOUNT CARMEL — A couple of new public libraries will be opening soon, giving community members an opportunity to pick up and drop off books on the honor system.

During its Nov. 28 meeting, the Mount Carmel Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously in favor of a Library Board recommendation to begin a “Little Library” program.

Volunteer High School’s vocational department is in the process of constructing two Little Library stations where the public will have access to books 24 hours per day.

A new Little Library will be placed on Main Street at the Bandstand and at the Mount Carmel City Park, although Library Board Chairman Phil Holt told the BMA the board is open to placing them in other locations as well.

“People drop off books and donate books for other people to read, and in turn they’ll take a book home,” Holt told the BMA. “I know the Sullivan County Library has some. There’s one at the Sullivan County Elementary School. It’s just a way to make library materials or reading materials more accessible to the community and encourage people to read and children to read. We think it’s just another outreach from the city library to try to serve the community.”

Mayor Chris Jones asked that the Library Board submit plans for the Little Libraries to the city manager before they are installed to make sure they conform to the appearance of the new stage on Main Street.

As of Nov. 28, the Volunteer vocational department had completed one of the Little Libraries and was working on the other. They will cost the city $70 each.